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50 Cent - Straight To The Bank (Shift-Key Money Grabbin Edit)

Hello world, it's been a while.

Work and other commitments got the better of me, but it's about time I put something new into the blogosphere.

So, what better way to re-introduce Grey Shading, wide eyed and enthusiastic, to a new breed of bloggers and talent? With this modern re-work of a song from three years ago, of course!

This is one of those tracks that probably shouldn't work, but does. Shift-Key subvert the original, laying down a skippy, feel good beat with a gorgeous synth that paints a totally different picture to the original's hard-hitting one-upmanship. Now, let me get the image of 50 Cent skipping to the bank with a lottery ticket out of my head, and replay.

Five Questions-Autumna

I love hearing what other people have to say about music, both listening to it and the craft of creating it. The Five Questions series that I have been pushing lately has really given a diverse array of answers and given me the insight I wanted from various producers, every single time I get to interview somebody new I'm exited for a different reason.

With Autumna, I just couldn't wait to find out about his thought process and ideology when it comes to producing, as he has been creating some of the most wonderfully dark sound-scape's I've heard in recent times.

Do you have a musical background?

I don’t have a background in the sense of an education, I did however always have music around. My father was, and still is, a jazz fanatic. As early as I can remember there was always jazz music playing. Growing up I spent a lot of time at my grandparent’s, there the soundtrack was classical music, my grandfather’s passion. Without a doubt those two genres had a profound impact on me and how I listen to - and think about music. Gradually I became obsessed with music myself, with excursions into alternative and hip hop, to finally submerse myself in electronic and experimental sounds. Of major influence was the discovery of labels such as Warp, Ninja Tune and Wall of Sound.

When did you first start producing music?

I first got into producing about 14 years ago with two friends, playing around with Rebirth and Fruity Loops. Making mashes with simple beat and bass lines, cutting in self recorded guitar samples, field recordings and our own voices. Unfortunately none of that material survived, not to my knowledge anyway. After a hiatus of about 9 years I decided it was time to ‘do something with music’ again and got behind the computer. The impulse was that I wanted to create my own sound-scape's to put under spoken word recordings. Using other people’s sounds had become restrictive and I wanted something that was completely my own.

How has your sound developed since then?

What was initially intended as backing for spoken word, started to lead a life of its own. Before I knew it I was making ‘tracks’. Gradually the drive to have something finished as soon as possible transformed into a more and more minute and demanding motivation. It is fascinating to be able to translate sound from a mental image - an idea - into something you can actually hear, an ability which took some time to develop. A point is reached where you enjoy the process as much as the end product. You spend the time to fine-tune that process to guarantee the best possible outcome.

What really inspires you?

I derive my inspiration from interaction with daily life. The basis of a track - the core idea - can offer itself through a book, a movie, a photograph, a conversation, a word, a feeling, a sound, a view …

Finally, what kind of equipment/software do you use to create your sound?

I’m not a gear head and use pretty basic stuff. The last five years I’ve been using Reason 4, which runs on a fairly old PC, but gets the job done. I cut, mangle, bend and break samples in either Goldwave or Wavepad Sound Editor on the laptop. To record voices, make field recordings, …, I simply use my cell phone; laptop built in mic or an old dictaphone – they provide a texture that I’m really fond of. To play in synths etc I use an old Miditech keyboard.

#Five Questions #Autumna

Five Questions-SUBD∆iO

I've been really enjoying Subdaio's own brand of sample based Hip-Hop/Trip-Hop lately, so I caught up with him to ask Five Questions.

Do you have a musical background?

I believe that I do have some sort of musical background. Since I was a child, I have been surrounded with music and talent coming from my mom who has been singing all her life and painting and also my grandfather, who was offered a chance to become a background singer for Bollywood movies. I do not know why he didn't accept the role...I could have been famous without doing anything!

But in all seriousness I think my musical background has definitely developed from my mom and my grandfather.

When did you first start producing music?

I went through various cycles before I started producing music! I actually started playing around with music when I was 11. I had this really awesome DJing program that my uncle gave to me and I (would) just spend hours mixing and looping songs from Missy Elliot, 50 Cent, and a little bit of Bhangra.

That was a small DJ phase I went through, but then, when I was 14, I was introduced to Mixcraft, where I learned to make my own tracks, using some of their loops that were provided on the program. It was really fun to be honest. I spent so much time playing with loops making house and dub tracks.

After sometime I started looking into how producers made their tracks, and when I was 16, I bought myself an MPD18 off Amazon, downloaded a cracked version of FL Studio 9 XXL Producer Edition, and that is where the magic started.

So I think it is safe to say that I officially started producing music when I was around 16 years old, as a junior in high school.

I still use FL Studio. I am absolutely in love with it.

How has your sound developed since then?

My sound is changing all the time to be honest! I first started by just making raw hip hop beats-like something out from the 90's-with the Lonnie Liston samples and other jazz artists. Now I am just experimenting with everything.

I don't really know how I can describe my sound. A lot of people say its "trippy" and "flowy" because I tend to slow down the sample and filter/reverb the living shit out of it (laughs) but I don't really know.

I just call it experimental hip-hop I guess. I am still developing though.

Every time I sit down to make a beat, I learn something new where I can improve my craft. The thing about me is that I really have a short attention span. I cannot sit down for like 5 hours to make music. I also aim for perfection in my sounds so both of those opposite qualities don't really mix well. I just really try to make the perfect beat. I always have this bar or goal that I set for myself when it comes to making my music. But to get to the point, my sound is still developing as each day passes by.

What really inspires you?

I would say the one person who inspired me to make music was J Dilla. He inspired me to go by an mpd and chop up samples. Ever since I heard the beat "Don't Cry", I just fell in love with the craft and I kept thinking that I can do something like that too. I have a list of people who inspired me so I will just put the list down!

I just use music as a way to escape reality and stress, and to also express myself, so I would say my mood is also a big inspiration, if that makes any sense?

List O' Peeps: J Dilla, MF Doom, Flying Lotus, The Gaslamp Killer, Samiyam, Nujabes, Kanye West, Madlib, Washed Out, Toro y Moi, 88-Keys, Clams Casino.

Finally, what kind of equipment/software do you use to create your sound?

I just keep it simple. A pair of Sony XB-500s, MPD18, FL Studio 9XXL Producer Edition, Audacity, and a dying Acer laptop!

I do have a mac book where I use garage band at times because I love Kotu Chords...but like I said before, FL Studio is my go to program. I might just try boot camping my mac for FL because my Acer is literally on the deathbed, or maybe get a Sony Vaio, who knows, but there you have it!

#Five Questions #Subdaio

Need a Name - Rain, Roads and Lights

Stunning.

#Need a Name

I'm not going to get into a debate about whether it's OK for people from the UK to rap in American accents. This is a great tune, with smooth production from X1 and effortless flow in the raps from everybody involved.

#Astroniggas #Cosa #X1

New snippet from Subdaio, due to come out in full on an upcoming EP. I'm loving the switch up from slow motion crawling beats to a more uptempo version.

The track samples Jamie XX's Hot Like Fire remix, which I used to be pretty in love with. I actually wouldn't have noticed if I hadn't read the description, but I just thought I'd throw it out there for those who are interested.

#Subdaio #Jaded #Jamie XX #Hot Like Fire #Remix

Lapse-Left Behind

This is a beautiful reworking of an original piano piece by Sorrow. Lapse layers crisp, skipping drums and sliding waves of sub bass to an already sublime piece of music, to create a wonderful track.

The EP is out on the 25th of November and should provide some cracking remixes in addition to the original, and I'm hopefully going to get an interview with Lapse soon, so keep your eyes peeled for that!

#Lapse #Left Behind #Sorrow

I recommend you go buy this as soon as possible.

#Trinkkets #Mirror Image #EP #Disturbing Noise

MJ Cole has been making his trademark style of garage for years, and of course this is no exception. The funky bass and piano blends with the cut up Jessie J vocal, but works best when melded with Daley's smooth vocal and the additional strings. It may not be to everybody's taste, but it may go someway to helping you forget how cold it is outside.

#MJ Cole #Daley #Jessie J #Remix #Remember Me

Loving this new one from Yogi, the way he goes in straight from the top really fits in with his stream of conciousness rapping style. The production from LBN667 is fantastic, the emotive piano and slow drums carry Yogi's vocals nicely, but the beat really comes into its own towards the end, the dark electronics ending the track on a melancholy note.

#Yogi #LBN667

I haven't posted anything in a while (sorry!) so I'll ease my way back in with some ambiance. To me, this track brilliantly evokes a memory of a tragedy.

The slow, sad strings are gorgeous, as a weather reporter talks over the entire tune. I like the way his voice is mixed so that if you aren't paying much attention, you barely notice, but if you listen carefully you can hear that he is reporting on hurricane sandy.

#Bruised Skies #Patterns in Water #Sandy Edit

Ital - Boi

Five Questions-Remember Her

I thought I'd interview myself here, as my side project Remember Her! I had rather a lot to say, but I hope that some of you find it interesting.

Do you have a musical background?

Some members of my family play piano but beyond that, not really. My dad had a lot of heavy metal and punk records, I loved the energy of the sound, but didn't find much of it very listenable. We didn't have much money so got broadband quite late, at first it was hard to discover good music, so I guess in a way my dad helped shape my interest, just by showing me there was a culture beyond the drivel coming from the radio.

When did you first start producing music?

I got a demo copy of a program called E Jay free with a box of cereal when I was about 12 or 13, at the time we had just one computer, and it cost to use the internet, so whenever I got a chance to use the PC I would just be on this program, arranging the pre-made loops.

That was when I really started to love the process of creating music, as well as listening to it.

Then, when I was 14, we got a broadband connection, so I got a copy of FL Studio back when it was called Fruity Loops, and used it to create instrumentals for MC's and rappers. I didn't have much musicality, but people could see that I had a passion for it. I had some minor radio play and some interest from a few big names that I wont mention, who were mainly interested in me for my age, at 14 they hadn't heard anybody make music like that. Of course, a lot of people are doing it now but it was a relatively new thing then.

I Still use FL Studio to this day.

How has your sound developed since then?

To be honest, it's always developing.

I have a really short attention span, and I'm also a perfectionist, those qualities don't mix too well so I have to work quickly. Most of the tracks I put out were created in a couple of hours, before I've had time to obsess over them or decide they aren't good enough.

I doubt the music I've really put my heart and soul into will ever see the light of day, I think it's the fear of them not being liked, whereas I can forgive myself if people don't like a quick track I've knocked up.

I do have a better set up now than I used to, so the audio quality has improved, and I've generally had more time to perfect my craft. I also have a sound recorder which I use to do field recordings so a lot of my music has a more organic feel.

What really inspires you?

In life, events that have occurred and conversations I have had. I write music well when I feel an emotion strongly, be it anger or happiness.

I think that influences and personal listening tastes can be totally different things, so the artists that influence my are generally people who try different things, and can be quite 'un listenable' to some, such as Amon Tobin and Aphex Twin.

The work I'm creating at the moment is some of the darkest stuff I've ever made, it's constructed like you may create a techno or house tune, but a lot of it is down-tempo and has a ghostly shuffle to it. Even the more up tempo tracks have an otherworldly vibe to them. One song I'm working on, entitled 'Think Slow' is built around a vocal refrain that has been warped and altered so much it barely resembles a human voice anymore. I find it really exiting, because I was never really into house and techno music and now, with Grey Shading, I'm discovering all these fantastic artists like Julio Bashmore and Domyan.

It's a lot of fun to take a 'Kid A' approach to these genres, deconstruct the elements and leave the bare bones, and work from there, creating something entirely new.

Finally, what kind of equipment/software do you use to create your sound?

FL Studio mainly, but occasionally Reason. I also use Ableton Live to mix. A lot of my sounds come from software, feild recordings and samples.

#Remember Her #Five Questions

Five Questions-iNDiG0HiGH

Under the alias iNDiG0 HiGH, This neo-soul songstress has been producing her own tracks as well as singing on them. I caught up with the Chicago bred artist to ask her Five Questions.

Do you have a musical background?

Yes I Do. I sang in my church & school choirs from the ages of 8-16 and taught myself to play the keys and guitar when i was 14.

When did you first start producing music?

I started producing music a year ago, that's when I bought my maschine mikro and arturia synth. Oh, how I love them so!

How has your sound developed since then?

My sound has always been neo-soul driven. A few years ago i caught wind of Little Dragon and they've really blossomed the idea of iNDiG0 HiGH.

What really inspires you?

Expression, clarity, individualism, and the best of all my escape.

Finally, what kind of equipment/software do you use to create your sound?

I use a combo of maschine mikro and my love (the) "BJ" arturia synth as far as equipment goes. But to record I mainly use pro tools, and I create tracks through the maschine software.

#iNDiG0HiGH #Five Questions

What You Were, What I've Become is the latest album from Need a Name and I've had the pleasure of listening to it in its entirety. Sprawling, ambient and grand, its glitched landscapes manage to evoke a feeling of nostalgia whilst being completely original. Vocals are as much a part of the atmosphere as the strings or percussion, cut up and distorted, they act as an instrument rather than a hook. Epic, fresh, and original, I really recommend you check out this album.

Favorite tracks:We'll Meet, Someday, Somewhere | Mamihlapinatapai

#Need a Name #What You Were #What I've Become

Zaika's new EP has 3 tracks, my favorite of which is Missing You, with its curving bass-line and ambient percussion. There's a progressive feel to the track, and new elements are often creeping in to the slow-burn atmospherics. The whole EP is definitely worth a listen, and you can grab a free download of Missing You by clicking here.

#Zaika #Missing You #Morning Way #What They Are #EP

Five Questions-Ollie Macfarlane

Ollie Macfarlane is a Bristol based producer and DJ, currently making his own hybrid of Garage, House and Trance. I asked him Five Questions to find out a little more about his production process.

Do you have a musical background?

I haven’t got a typical musical background - I started to play guitar when I was about 13, but never really got very good at it. I play a little keyboard as well, although mainly to help me come up with ideas when I produce. I’m currently studying Music Technology at university.

When did you first start producing music?

I first started producing about six years ago - although it was mainly just messing around with samples until about three years ago when I started making House and Garage. I was given this old program, Sony ACID, for my 14th birthday I think, and was using versions of that up until last year.

How has your sound developed since then?

I first started making Trance when I was younger, then progressed to House, then Garage about two years ago. I’m currently experimenting with other genres and styles around that, especially the broad ‘Bass Music’ genre.

What really inspires you?

I get inspired mainly by emotions, and places. I love walking through streets at night, the feeling of desolation that conjures up in me is a big inspiration on a lot of my work. A lot of my work is reflective on various experiences I’ve had, and so a lot of my music is made the morning after certain events, parties, personal milestones etc. I need to keep those feelings fresh in my mind to produce - I generally find myself needing to write music more than wanting to - whenever I tell myself to sit down and produce something it more than often comes out all wrong.

Finally, what kind of equipment/software do you use to create your sound?

I’m currently producing on a Mac using Ableton Live, and my MIDI keyboard. It’s a simple setup but I find that’s all I really need. I occasionally will work out something on my acoustic guitar first, then transcribe it to my keyboard, and recently I have started recording some of my own percussion.

#Five Questions #Ollie Macfarlane

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